“That’s not the defense people in my position think it is,” he replied sharply.

“I built this empire, which means I’m responsible for every blind spot in it. I let the suits manage the soldiers, and it almost caused a tragedy.”

He reached inside his jacket and slid a piece of heavy cardstock across the table.

An offer letter. Director of Field Operations. Not an assistant — a Director, reporting directly to the CEO.

The salary was a number that blurred my vision. Full benefits. Unlimited medical coverage for family dependents.

I stared at it. “I don’t have an MBA, Grayson. I was a warehouse line worker, and before that a grunt moving supplies in a desert.”